ABSTRACT
In this study, sodium oleate (NaOL) was employed as a collector to examine the role and adsorption mechanism of a novel regulator, the polyether polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-11), in the flotation separation of brucite and serpentine. Efficient separation of brucite and serpentine was achieved under the reagent system with the PCE-11 dosage of 600 mg/L, NaOL dosage of 320 mg/L, and pulp pH of 11. Surface wettability analysis revealed that PCE-11 diminishes the hydrophobicity of serpentine in the NaOL system. Zeta potential analysis and adsorption capacity analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in NaOL adsorption capacity on the serpentine surface following interaction with PCE-11. Infrared spectrum analysis and XPS analysis revealed that PCE-11 is adsorbed on the surface of both brucite and serpentine, with a certain number of Mg sites remaining bonded to NaOL after PCE-11 occupies part of the Mg sites on the brucite surface. However, PCE-11 impedes NaOL adsorption on serpentine surfaces, enhancing the floatability difference between the two minerals.
HIGHLIGHTS
An eco-friendly agent, the polyether polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-11), is utilized to the separation of brucite and serpentine.
PCE-11 demonstrates a good inhibition effect on serpentine.
PCE-11 increases the hydrophilicity of the serpentine surface in the NaOL system.
PCE-11 extended the difference in floatability between brucite and serpentine.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Supplementary data
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2024.2335347